GPS/Iridium Systems for Manatee and Dugong

Models

Model

Dimensions L x D (in, cm)

Weight (g)

Operational Life (years) GPS Hourly

Operational Life (years) GPS every 15min

TMT-474-4

20.75 x 4.2552.7 x 10.8

1300

2.2

0.8

Estimates of operational life are calculated using TPP. Assumptions are daily Iridium transmissions, 75 seconds average time to GPS fix, inclusion of location information and dive data, 10% of locations as QFP, VHF 24/hours day, and 25°C.

With the TMT-474-4, the VHF and GPS/Argos operate off the same power supply until the main power supply begins to die, at which time the VHF switches to a secondary battery pack which provides VHF power for ~4 months to facilitate recovery of the tag.

Key Features - Iridium System

Iridium is a two-way system. The Iridium module on the animal checks for an adequate link prior to data transmission, and data acknowledged as successfully received does not need to be repeated. Data not acknowledged can be sent later when the animal is on the surface for extended periods or hauled out.

The two-way link allows commands to be sent to the Iridium unit while it is deployed. This allows changing between pre-programmed auxiliary schedules and changing other programmed parameters.

Data is normally retrieved through a third-party, metOcean telematics, which offers the user direct control over their air time services and the least expensive data retrieval option. Data rates depend on the amount of data transferred, and would be ~$17 and $38 per month for the data intensities noted above (GPS hourly and every 15 minutes). Data hosting is available for an additional $5 a month per transmitter, which eliminates the need for an email account specifically dedicated to data reception. There is a one-time activation fee of $30 or $40 per transmitter.

Key Features - Tag Specific

These units are designed to be tethered to the caudal peduncle of sirenians. The tether is not included and must be provided by the user. The electronics, GPS and Iridium antennas, and the power supply are contained in an sealed housing with a flotation collar. The external whip antenna is used for VHF transmissions. The housing design allows the user to replace the battery packs. Battery packs are included in the purchase price but replacement packs must be purchased separately.

These units are typically programmed to collect GPS positions when adequate surfacing time allows, and Quick Fix Pseudoranging (QFP) positions in as little as 3 seconds when reduced surface time prevents a standard GPS position from being obtained. Telonics Iridium units can be configured to collect only GPS, only QFP, or a mix of the two location types.

Salt-water-switch (SWS) synchronizes GPS attempts and Iridium transmissions with surfacings to maximize data collection and transmission, and suppresses Iridium transmissions and GPS attempts while under water. The SWS allows collection of dive data including length of dives, dive count, and percentage of time spent under water. The SWS settings can be selected to allow detection of either seawater, or most freshwater and seawater (submergence may not be able to be detected in water with very low conductivity).

Temperature sensing is available.

Users can program or reprogram Telonics GPS/Iridium units through use of Telonics Product Programmer (TPP). TPP can be used to obtain estimates of battery life and data acquisition costs under various possible programming scenarios prior to deployment. Deployed units can have their schedules or other programming parameters changed remotely using TPP.

GPS/QFP collection schedules, Iridium transmission schedules, and sensor options can all be user-defined. Scheduling can be programmed to change over time (e.g. seasonal changes where monitoring might be more or less intensive at certain times of the year). The primary and three "Auxiliary" schedules are available.

All positions determined and sensor data collected is stored-on-board the unit, thus if the tag is able to be recovered, stored data can supplement what was transmitted.

A real-time clock and calendar controls all timing functions and is re-synchronized with GPS time to assure high accuracy timing. All timing is programmed using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

When turned off using a magnetic switch, these units consume less than 10 µA; this allows storage for extended periods with minimal impact on operational life.

Units can be refurbished to their original condition at Telonics.

Telonics GPS Iridium units are FCC and IC certified and available for use throughout the United States and Canada with no additional licensing required for the data transfer component.

Data retrieved through the Iridium system, or downloaded from a tag in hand, are processed using Telonics Data Converter (TDC). TDC is used to convert raw data from Telonics transmitters into data reports and to display locations on Google Earth and Google Maps. You can review, save, and edit TDC reports in Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet programs.

Electronic Specifications - GPS/Iridium

µGPSI-25 GPS/Iridium/VHF Specifications - Show

General Specifications

Timing Accuracy

Timing is synchronized to GPS time when available.
If the GPS time is not available, then internal timing accuracy is:
6 min/year at 25° C
30 min/year -20 to +40° C
47 min/year -40 to +70° C

Available Sensors

Mortality, Activity, Temperature, Low Voltage (as allowed by specific software)
Salt-water-switch is a hardware and software option on some configurations.

Memory Capacity

Capable of storing ~500K fixes in nonvolatile flash memory in association with other sensor data.

Programming

Programmable using Telonics TPP software and TSC-9A cable. Programming options are hardware and software dependent, but include GPS, Iridium, and VHF schedules; sensor activation and schedules; and power output.

Iridium Module Specifications

General

Mechanical/Environmental

Operating Temperature Range -40 to +60 °C

VHF Transmitter Specifications (VHF is not implemented in all configurations)

OPERATION INTERLOCK: All elements of the VHF transmitter component are forced off whenever the Iridium transmitter module is on. This interlock device forcibly prevents simultaneous operation of the two transmitters, thus they are not considered to be co-located under FCC regulations.

Aging: <2ppm/year
Shock: <1ppm 3000g x 0.3ms x &half; sine x 3 dir

VSWR

Related Products

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Replacement Battery Pack for TMT-464-3 and TMT-474-4

User-replaceable batteries for TMT-464-3 GPS/Argos/VHF tags and TMT-474-4 GPS/Iridium/VHF tags or manatee and dugong; includes one each:PS-008640-030 (2-cells with 5.5" leads and connectors)PS-008980-001 (2-cells with 1.8" leads and connectors)

Telonics Data Converter (TDC) is used to convert raw data from Telonics transmitters into data reports and to display locations on Google Earth and Google Maps. You can review TDC reports in Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet programs.

Telonics Product Programmer (TPP) is a powerful software tool used to program Telonics transmitters, and Telonics CR-5 and CR-7 collar release mechanisms. TPP gives you the ability to modify aspects of your Telonics GEN4 GPS and VHF transmitters including data collection and transmission intervals. TPP is designed for ease of use, with simple point-and-click navigation through the program.

The TSC-9A is a multi-use interface cable terminated with a USB A connector and a male BNC (bayonet style) connector. The cable is used to connect various Telonics products to a computer when using Telonics Product Programmer (TPP), Telonics Data Converter (TDC), or the CR-2a BCP-2 programming software. The BNC connector allows quick and easy attachment of various adapters.

Adapter, female BNC to alligator clips for use with the TSC-9A cable. This adapter is used for systems where programming/download connections are made using the antenna tip or saltwater switch buttons.

Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations

Telonics Inc. ships all systems containing lithium batteries in accordance with the US Department of Transportation rules for hazardous materials set forth in 49CFR and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Service Commitment

Since 1970, Telonics has built a reputation based on product quality, product support, service, and customer satisfaction. Telonics strives to produce the highest quality products, and to support those products accordingly.

Because of extreme conditions and the unpredictable nature associated with most telemetry applications, problems occasionally arise. Most problems can be resolved quickly. In all cases, we hope to be able to work in partnership with users to resolve problems to the user's satisfaction and to uphold our demonstrated commitment to excellence. If problems should arise, all products must be returned to our factory for failure analysis.

Warranty: GEN 4 GPS Systems - Show

Telonics warrants its GPS products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date acquired. Telonics does not warrant batteries.

Telonics designs and manufactures systems for a variety of applications using several satellite systems (GPS, Argos, Iridium, and Globalstar). At the time of manufacturing, Telonics equipment is tested to verify compatibility with the applicable satellite system(s). Telonics does not warranty equipment against changes in satellite system specifications or satellite operation after the date your equipment was manufactured. Unforeseeable or unplanned system changes would include, but are not limited to, elevated ambient noise levels in the radio frequency bands used for satellite communications, elimination of service in a region of the world, data outages due to technical problems within the satellite system network, or reductions in data transfer capability due to alterations in the constellation as a result of premature space vehicle failures or failure to replace space vehicles in a timely manner.

If a defect occurs, return the equipment to us within the proper time frame at the following address: TELONICS, 932 E. IMPALA AVENUE, MESA AZ USA 85204-6699. The customer shall arrange for and pay all shipping, insurance and related charges incurred in the shipment to and from Telonics under this warranty. Damage to any equipment resulting from misuse, accidents, unauthorized service, extreme conditions, or other causes, is excluded from this warranty. Telonics does not assume responsibility for loss or damage to equipment during shipment. Telonics does not assume responsibility for delays resulting from shipment on commercial or private carriers. We insure all equipment shipped from our facility and suggest that shipments to Telonics also be insured.

Upon the timely return to our facility, if defective, the product will be replaced or repaired at our discretion at no cost to the customer. This remedy is the exclusive remedy. This product is supplied without any further warranties or conditions, expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability, quality or fitness for particular reason or those arising by laws, statutes or trade usage or course of dealing.
The entire risk, as to the results and performance of the product, is assumed by the customer. Neither Telonics, nor its suppliers, shall have any liability to the customer or any other person or entity for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damage whatsoever, regardless whether Telonics has been told of the possibility of such damages or that such damages might be foreseeable. Telonics has no responsibility or liability for the claims of any third party. The maximum aggregate to the customer, of Telonics and its suppliers, shall not exceed the amount paid by the customer for the product.